prudent

[prood-nt] / ˈprud nt /

ADJECTIVE

wise, sensible in action and thought

Synonyms

STRONGEST

careful cautious discreet economical frugal judicious reasonable sane shrewd vigilant

WEAK

advisable canny circumspect discerning far-sighted hedging one's bets judgmatic leery playing safe politic provident sagacious sage sapient sound sparing tactical thinking twice thrifty wary

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careless expensive foolish hasty inattentive incautious indiscreet nonsensical rash reckless stupid thoughtless uncareful uneconomical unreasonable wasteful

WEAK

imprudent unwise

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Recent events are encouraging, even if we have to remain prudent," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

So general manager Ken Holland did the prudent thing and largely stood pat, trading a couple of veterans for draft picks and making only a pair of minor acquisitions.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

RBI Gov. Sanjay Malhotra said the monetary board had judged it prudent to wait and see how growth and inflation develop, warning that the war is likely to impair economic activity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

With less pressure to meet quarterly targets, companies could focus more on the investment, innovation and prudent risk-taking that help drive long-term growth.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

“Wouldn’t it be...forgive me...more prudent to call off this battle, enter the castle, and seek him y-yourself?”

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling

Vocabulary lists containing prudent

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The Hobbit

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Grade 10, List 4

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